**The Tale Behind the Viral Welsh Lions Fans Captivating Rugby Audiences**
Spectators watching the British and Irish Lions tour this season would be hard-pressed to miss two exuberant fans donning full lion costumes amongst the sea of red. These supporters, draped in elaborate face paint and emblazoned with the names ‘Jac’ and ‘Tomos’ on their chests, have become an unexpected symbol of Welsh pride, their images circulating widely across social media platforms and television broadcasts.
For Wales captain Jac Morgan, their presence was a surprise revelation amid the heat of competition. After confessing he hadn’t witnessed the now-iconic images of the duo earlier in the week, Morgan finally encountered the two spirited fans pitchside following a legendary comeback victory for the Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Taking a moment away from celebration, he embraced the fans — a poignant instance that was swiftly captured in countless selfies and fan photographs.
The two men inside the memorable costumes are none other than Richard Marshall and Brian Patterson, lifelong rugby enthusiasts hailing from Cardiff. While the costumes are certainly playful, their appearance carries an undercurrent of heartfelt support, particularly for the two Welsh players representing their country on the Lions stage. Richard’s costume honours Jac Morgan, while Brian’s pays tribute to Tomos Williams, the scrum-half unfortunately ruled out of the tour due to injury at the end of June. In a thoughtful nod to Tomos’ absence, a couple of tears adorn Brian’s lion outfit.
Speaking to Wales Online, Brian explained the impetus for their creative fandom. “We just thought it would be a bit of fun,” he revealed, “but we also wanted to show our support for our Welsh boys, especially now when Welsh rugby is going through difficult times. Seeing Jac win his first Lions cap is a huge uplift.” The sentiment is echoed by Richard, who commented on the camaraderie that has defined their experience, both as players themselves in the Cardiff rugby community, and now as global supporters. “We’ve played rugby all our lives, so we know the value of the friendships made in the sport. The Aussies have been superb hosts. It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” Richard said.
Their journey has attracted more attention than anticipated. From hotel lobbies to stadium concourses, the pair have been mobbed by fellow fans and journalists alike. “It’s been mad,” Richard admitted. “We’ve had people recognising us off the television and social media, photographers lining up for a shot. But ultimately, it’s all about supporting the game and each other.” The costumes stem from a longstanding tradition, but neither Richard nor Brian expected the level of recognition they’ve received in Melbourne.
Fan interaction has become part of the spectacle. The two Welshmen have been stopped constantly for photos, at times taking up to ten minutes just to traverse the hotel foyer. “Rugby fans everywhere share a bond,” Brian commented, “and it’s great having a laugh and a bit of fun along the way. Only two Welsh players were selected in the squad, so we felt it was right to highlight them and show some solidarity.”
Planning their Australian adventure for over a year, Richard and Brian have ensured the lion personas make an appearance only on Test match days. An impressive transformation process, the application of whiskers and paint, now takes a mere twenty minutes. Their attention to detail and willingness to embrace the playful side of sport has resonated with fans and media alike.
The excitement was perhaps at its peak before Jac Morgan earned his first Lions cap — Brian joked Richard might have to “invade the pitch” to mark the occasion. As it turned out, the moment came to them: Morgan himself made his way over to celebrate with his namesake, sharing in the significance of his achievement. “It was unreal,” Richard remarked after the match. “He’s a fantastic player and deserves all the recognition.”
In the midst of a challenging era for Welsh rugby, the antics and spirit of Richard Marshall and Brian Patterson serve as a reminder of the game’s sense of community and joy. Their creative display has given fans at home a reason to smile and reaffirmed the enduring power of sport to bring people together – not only in victory, but in shared passion and light-hearted fun.
As the Lions tour continues, these two Cardiff supporters will no doubt remain familiar faces, embodying both national pride and the playful camaraderie that makes rugby unique. Their story highlights the lengths fans will go to support their teams — and demonstrates how, in rugby, those on the pitch and in the stands share in the experience together.